kapten_windu

some ilustration of pamor (there are many kinds of pamor, this just few of them):

3. PAMOR

is an ornament or motif found on the blade (Kris, Spear,

Swords, Wedung and others). This decoration was established not because of carved or 'diserasah' (Inlay) or coated, but because the forging technique which brings together several different metallic elements.

This pamoring technique was until now only controlled by the master on Indonesia and

surrounding it (Malaysia, Brunei, Philippines and Thailand)

Outside the Indonesia and surrounding areas are usually only known technique just like the sword of Inlay like Iran or any other European country, so even though the arts (art) looks beautiful but the impression of "Wingit"(supernatural charisma) its not there at all.

It is also possible to master the basic region of the archipelago (particularly Java) that processes

mixing various metals so beautiful pamor and high artistic merit.

This prestige material by most authors from the Nickel said of the material, but this one

altogether because it is based on research by Mr.. Haryono Aroembinang MSc (late) and

some experts in BATAN Yogyakarta obtained evidence that the material is titanium, a material

New in the 20th century used as a coating material space vehicles, but our masters have used all along. This is explained as follows, when the meteor entered the atmosphere

earth then most of the materials copper, iron, nickel, lead, brass fire destroyed and only

titanium which lasted until the earth. The raw material is made from a meteor prestige formerly contained so kris ancient earth contains a lot of titanium and weighs lightly.

Renowned pamor of the Luwu, South Sulawesi, which was brought by traders from Bugis.

Most famous materials for Pamor is the Pamor of Prambanan, it's currently at the Kraton Surakarta given name Kanjeng Kyai Pamor and its size is now only about 60x60x80 cm since been widely used to make Kris of the palace.

After the meteorite materials hard to come by, then Nickel material used, so that the keris is currently weights heavier..

-source: from a friend-

2. part of Kris:

a. in general:

b. blade / wilah keris (in depth):

c. scabbard / warangka:

Hi Gentlemen, this is the basic knowledge about Kris, hope you enjoy it..

Definition (taken from wikipedia with my edit):

The kris or keris is a traditional dagger indigenous to Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Brunei. It is also known as Curigo in Java and kalis in the southern Philippines. The kris is famous for its distinctive wavy blade, but many have straight blades as well. Both a weapon and spiritual object, kris are often considered to have an essence or presence, with some blades possessing good luck and others possessing bad.

In 2005, UNESCO gave the title Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity to the kris of Indonesia. In return, UNESCO urged Indonesia to preserve their heritage.

Hugh, it means both Kris are match to you (Java: 'cocok ditayuh'), so the man gave you the Kris, or just ask 'mahar' for a low price (the price of 'mahar' was not for the Kris, just like a tip for that man!!), if yours were sold in antique market, both would be very expensive (especially the first Kris, the luk 7 sempana), so I think the man whom gave you the Kris was a very kind man.. :)

As long as i know there are only 4 Jenderal Besar official shoulder boards:

-2 in Satria Mandala Museum (both copy for display)

-1 in Museum taman mini (original belonged to Soeharto)

-1 in AH Nasution Museum (original belonged to AH Nasution)

is it eagle or phoenix?

Hugh 2nd Keris:

-dhapur: tilam upih

-pamor: ilining warih (kind of adeg)

-warangka: gayaman surakarta (the 1st keris is Gayaman Ngayogyakarta, see the difference.. )

-period: est 14th century

Note: both Kris have change their warangka (scabbard) and gagang (handle), the period only refers to the blade.. :)

Correction for Hugh's first Kris:

-dapur: Sempono (very similar with Jaran Guyang, difficult for beginner like me to identificate.. )

-pamor: jung kebak donya

-warangka (scabbard): gayaman

-pendok(metal part on scabbard): bunton

-period: est 18th century

:cheers:

one unique fact that sometimes the Empu made the Kris by hand!! so you can see the thumb finger prints on it..

this is the information (in Indonesian):

http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jenderal_Besar

Kapten - can you help me post a close-up of those five-star ranks? I would like to see them more clearly please. Thanks!

Alf

unfortunately i can't, the picture resolution is too small, and i forgot to take a photo of 5 star rank during my last visit to the museum..:(

PAMOR is an ornament or motif found on the blade (Kris, Spear,

Swords, Wedung and others). This decoration was established not because of carved or 'diserasah' (Inlay) or coated, but because the forging technique which brings together several different metallic elements.

This pamoring technique was until now only controlled by the master on Indonesia and

surrounding it (Malaysia, Brunei, Philippines and Thailand)

Outside the Indonesia and surrounding areas are usually only known technique just like the sword of Inlay like Iran or any other European country, so even though the arts (art) looks beautiful but the impression of "Wingit"(supernatural charisma) its not there at all.

It is also possible to master the basic region of the archipelago (particularly Java) that processes

mixing various metals so beautiful pamor and high artistic merit.

This prestige material by most authors from the Nickel said of the material, but this one

altogether because it is based on research by Mr.. Haryono Aroembinang MSc (late) and

some experts in BATAN Yogyakarta obtained evidence that the material is titanium, a material

New in the 20th century used as a coating material space vehicles, but our masters have used all along. This is explained as follows, when the meteor entered the atmosphere

earth then most of the materials copper, iron, nickel, lead, brass fire destroyed and only

titanium which lasted until the earth. The raw material is made from a meteor prestige formerly contained so kris ancient earth contains a lot of titanium and weighs lightly.

Renowned pamor of the Luwu, South Sulawesi, which was brought by traders from Bugis.

Most famous materials for Pamor is the Pamor of Prambanan, it's currently at the Kraton Surakarta given name Kanjeng Kyai Pamor and its size is now only about 60x60x80 cm since been widely used to make Kris of the palace.

After the meteorite materials hard to come by, then Nickel material used, so that the keris is currently weights heavier..

-source: from a friend-

Hi Hugh

Thanks for sharing your Kris'. Very nice.

Some small notes, not an expert on the matter mind you.

The metal is indeed being folded and worked by the smith. This is what causes the distinct pattern/drawing on the blade. This pattern is called Pamor. The drawing is being made visible with arsenic (!) (which is what should be used once a year to keep the drawing nicely visible as well, but then again....) The different types of drawing/Pamor also influence the mystical power of the Kris. One type adding to the charisma of the owner, the other to his health, a third to this family life etc...

I have personally witnessed a "standing" Kris myself about 15 years ago in a private home in the Yogyakart Kraton area. I can confirm: no strings or the likes. Don't know about the mysticism of it, but it sure shows remarkable craftmanship to shape the Kris in such a way that it has this kind of balance. I have a picture of the Kris standing up in an old box. Will have to dig it up and post here I think.

There are indeed blades of Kris made from meteorite stone. However, if you put all the blades together from which it has been told that they were made from this stone it would have had to been the size of the moon..... Think you need a mettalurgic expert to confirm.

Sidenote: traditionally a Kris should not be sold/bought. The terminology used in Javanese refers to a courtship and a dowry being paid (or something traded in stead) Often it is just given away. If you take the mysticism and the cleansing rituals seriously owning a Kris is a high responsibility (and a burden) which is why (if the original possessor has passed away) relatives may choose not to keep it in possession.

My late father-in-law gave his two Kris away as he could not properly take care of them....

By the way Hugh: story also goes that you should not unnecessarily take the Kris out of the scabbard too often as it may want to see blood if you do so. Think to take it out for the cleaning ritual is OK though.

@Windu: go ahead and continue posting interesting info on the subject please! We're on a roll here

a good explanation, thank you..

as Love aka Roel explained, it use some chemical instrument (including arsenic), but of course the technique will be the secret of the empu..

and the bold words called: dimaharkan.. :)

awesome..!!

very interesting Hugh, yoursare beautiful, and have a supernatural power..

i think your first Kris is Kris luk 7 dapur Jaran Guyang (eng.: dancing horse ), IMO the pamor name is Manikem..

the second is a straight one, i can't identify the dapur (well, there are 57 kind of dapur on Straight Kris!),the Pamor probably Adeg..

i'll ask my friend about more information

keep preserve it and be careful with it.. :P

Hi Megan, what's it manufacturer? is it made locally?

Brian, thank you!

Kris is a symbol of 'Javanese gentleman', that's why as a Javanese i must have some Kris..

Can you post your Kris here? I'd like too see it's characteristics..

Gavin, this is a modern one..

The old Kris with rare pamor like Udan Mas (the motive is like mine above) and have special spiritual/magic ability can be valued up to $8000!

On the other hands, the old Kris with common pamor like 'ngulit semangka'(eng-watermelon skin) from 15th century with no magic ability can be just $150..

Thank you Mervyn..

There are 2 way of collecting Kris:

1. Appreciating it's art: as art decoration/investment->I'm one of this

2. Spiritual->not only about it's art, but also as a spiritual media, magic, etc (influenced by traditional beliefs&philosophy)

Windu

wild card: thank you!

Roel: you're right!

Dhapur is the style of the blade, the various sub-style of dhapur mostly came from the various shape on the lower parts of the blade..

I think someday i have to post a thread about general knowledge of Kris..

-Windu-

I get it on a local auction, just about half of the fair price..

Does someone here have Kris too?

not bad for my room decoration.. :cheers:

in it's 'warangka' / scabbard

near the handle:

Closer to the blade motive:

beautiful! isn't it?